December 12, 2025
How to Tell If You Actually Have Storm Damage
After a strong storm, many St. Louis homeowners ask the same question. Is there real damage, or does the roof just look worn?
Storm damage is not always obvious. It also gets confused with normal aging more than almost any other exterior issue. Knowing the difference helps you avoid unnecessary claims and catch real problems before they turn into leaks.
Start With What Storm Damage Really Is
Storm damage comes from a specific weather event, not time.
That includes:
- Hail impact that fractures shingles or soft metals
- Wind that lifts, creases, or loosens shingles
- Wind-driven debris striking the roof or siding
General wear, sun exposure, and gradual granule loss are not storm damage. Insurance carriers make this distinction very clearly.
Signs You Can Spot From the Ground
You do not need to climb the roof to see early warning signs.
Walk around your home and look for:
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, and window wraps
- Damage to garage doors or metal fascia
- Cracked or chipped siding panels
- Hail marks on AC units or exhaust vents
- Shingle granules collecting at downspout exits
In the St. Louis area, hail often damages soft metals before shingles show visible failure. These clues matter.
What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like on a Roof
Hail damage is not random surface scuffing.
True hail impact often includes:
- Circular bruises where granules are knocked away
- Soft spots that feel spongy when pressed
- Hairline fractures beneath the shingle surface
- Exposed asphalt mat after granule loss
On architectural shingles, damage can be subtle and spread across slopes rather than concentrated in one spot.
How Wind Damage Shows Up
Wind damage does not always remove shingles.
Common wind-related issues include:
- Lifted or unsealed shingle edges
- Creased shingles where the seal broke
- Misaligned shingle rows
- Exposed nail lines
St. Louis wind events often follow hailstorms, which makes this combination especially damaging.
Interior Signs That Point to Exterior Damage
Sometimes the first clues appear inside the home.
Watch for:
- Ceiling stains or drywall bubbling
- Water marks around chimneys or vents
- Musty attic odors
- Light visible through roof decking in the attic
Interior symptoms often show up weeks after the storm, especially during heavy rain.
Why Older Roofs Are Harder to Judge
Age complicates everything.
On older roofs:
- Shingles are more brittle
- Granule loss is already present
- Prior repairs can hide impact zones
This makes it harder for homeowners to tell whether a storm caused new damage or exposed existing weaknesses. It also affects how insurance carriers evaluate claims.
What Storm Damage Is Not
Not every roof issue qualifies as storm damage.
Examples that usually do not qualify:
- Uniform granule loss from aging
- Blistering caused by manufacturing or heat
- Algae streaks or discoloration
- Minor cosmetic marks without functional impact
A credible inspection explains these differences clearly.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters
Many forms of storm damage are invisible from the ground.
A professional inspection checks:
- Shingle integrity across all slopes
- Flashing around chimneys, walls, and valleys
- Vent boots and soft metal components
- Nail placement and seal integrity
- Decking conditions where impact transferred below
In the St. Louis region, freeze and thaw cycles can turn small fractures into leaks within a single season.
Avoid Guesswork and Pressure
If someone tells you that every storm means a free roof, be cautious.
A legitimate contractor will:
- Inspect before recommending action
- Show you documented findings
- Explain whether damage is repairable or not
- Let you decide how to proceed
Know Before You File
Opening an insurance claim should follow confirmation, not speculation.
Understanding the actual condition of your roof helps you:
- Avoid unnecessary claims
- Protect future coverage
- Act quickly when real damage exists
The Smart Next Step
If your home was in the path of a recent storm and you are unsure about the condition of your roof, a professional inspection gives you clarity without pressure.
Family First Exteriors provides storm damage inspections for St. Louis homeowners, with straightforward documentation and honest guidance based on real conditions, not assumptions.